Offensive tackle Tyron Smith was considered the top lineman of USC’s recruiting class and appears to be living up to his billing, at least according to Trojans cooach Pete Carroll.

“He’s an extraordinary athlete at that position,” Carroll said. “As much as anyone we’ve had at that spot.”

But will he redshirt? Smith is practicing with the first team this week to see if he can actually play this season. USC wants him to play but does not want to waste his redshirt year.

“He’s still not accurate enough with stuff,” Carroll said. “But this week was great for him.”

Smith said he would like to play but understands his predicament.

“It’s for sure a goal. Any chance I get, I’ll take it,” he said. “But I’ve got plenty of years here.”

Smith said last week’s Virginia game was an unusual moment for him, because for the first time in his life he did not play.

“I was anxious to play,” he said. “I never had that feeling standing on the sideline before where I had to watch the game.”

Starting offensive tackle Charles Brown, who plays left tackle like Smith, had 16 knockdowns in the Virginia game.

New back?: Carroll spoke to freshman tailback Broderick Green on Tuesday night about playing more physical and relying less on making moves like fellow tailback Joe McKnight.

“All along we hoped he would run big as the hammer,” Carroll said. “He’s got a big body and big shoulders. We probably lost some communication at some point.”

The lecture paid off Wednesday as the 230-pound Green leveled All-American linebacker Rey Maualuga on one play. Usually, Maualuga delivers the big practice hits, although he appeared to ease up a bit as he tried to tackle Green.

“I gave him his 10 seconds of fame,” Maualuga said. “I told him to watch out.”

No change: Tailback Curtis McNeal and defensive end Nick Perry are still not certified by the NCAA Clearinghouse. McNeal informed USC he received the necessary grades in summer classes to be eligible, but the clearinghouse has not approved his transcripts. Perry needed to pass one more test. The deadline for certification is in two weeks.

Carroll admitted both players would probably redshirt if they are cleared.

“It would be hard (to play),” he said. “Sometimes guys don’t get it done.”

Injury report: Wide receiver Vidal Hazelton said his sprained ankle felt better and he would practice full-speed next week. … Linebacker Brian Cushing continues to wear a cast for a chipped bone in his hand.

Early workout: USC practices at 7 a.m. today because Carroll wants his coaching staff to spend the day recruiting. Some coaches will leave the state. Assistant coach Todd McNair is flying to Oklahoma, where tailback David Oku lists USC as one of his top choices. Oku is ranked as the top all-purpose back in the country by Rivals.com.

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